Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Art: Jorge Jimenez, Tomeu Morey, and Clayton Cowles
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99
Release Date: September 6th, 2022
With vicious precision, Failsafe stalks the Caped Crusader, retiring a course of destruction and heroes in its wake! Yet through its devastating path, Batman flees to Wayne Manor as he formulates a plan for a conclusive foray. Let’s dive into Batman #127 by Chip Zdarsky to see if Batman has what it takes to stop this machine once and for all.
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THE DISPATCH
Batman #127 gives readers the full “Zur-En-Arrh” recipe from Batman R.I.P. with a wicked crossover of action that will keep the hardcore fans wanting more. Ultimately, Zdarsky uses this week’s installment to quickly break the ice as to who “Zur-En-Arrh” is, where he originated from, and why he was needed in the first place. Plus, Chip takes the time to weave together this story with one of my old favorites, Tower of Babel in such a clever way that simply makes sense of Failsafe…. except for one key idea that gets lost in the shuffle.
Failsafe appears now BECAUSE it thinks that Batman has killed the Penguin. Granted, we can argue that the Dark Knight has killed before, especially early on in the 1940s when Batman debuted. But, some would argue that happened Pre Tower of Babel. And, with all the Crises rewriting continuity, who knows if that actually stuck. Well, how about Final Crisis as Batman mortally wounds Darkseid, which was after Tower of Babel? Yes, but that was before Batman R.I.P. which was also referenced with “Zur-En-Arrh”. Yet could we go more recent with the Metal storylines? He may not have directly killed but what he unleashed throughout the multiverse as well as the plethora of evil Batmen should have constituted Failsafe’s activation.
My point is that I enjoyed the throwback to Tower of Babel and Batman R.I.P. BUT I feel like it added more that needs to be explained away. Why now? Why after killing the Penguin? Why not during Metal? And my memory is a bit fuzzy but I feel like he’s been accused of killing people before. So, I get the premise… and it makes sense. Who stops Batman? Batman stops Batman. But why is it only happening now? That’s the part that needs to be ironed out a bit more.
Additionally, I wanted more “Zur-En-Arrh” than what we got. Oh, don’t get me wrong, he’s all up in Batman #127. However, it feels rather short-lived. And I was jazzed for this. So excited in fact that I was hoping to see the following arc be about getting rid of “Zur-En-Arrh”. Sadly fans, that doesn’t seem like it will be the case. Nevertheless, Zdarsky’s story is different, and had already gotten this reviewer more in on DC Comics’ prize series than I have been in almost 5 years. So, keep it up, Chip!
ART
Jorge Jimenez is downright incredible. Batman of Zur-En-Arrh is aggressive and headstrong. Well, thanks to Jimenez, readers see that first hand. However, it’s Tomeu Morey who’s the winner this week. His colors were so bright and vibrant which brought each fight scene to life. From the colorful Batman suit to the lightsaber battles, explosions, and blood splatters, this fight was brought to life thanks to Morey. Nevertheless, the intensity and power behind each punch and swing came by means of Clayton Cowles lettering which can’t be overlooked.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Batman #127 continues Zdarsky’s creative juxtaposition of a few classic Batman stories and uses them as the backdrop for a new tale that will help fans forget all about the past half-decade of the series. It’s fun, exciting, clever, and filled with action. With only a few minor questions that don’t completely ruin the narrative, Batman #127 continues to push this series back towards the top at DC Comics. Sure, the story is pretty wild but it’s the art team that’s truly made Batman exciting and fun along with the “Zur-En-Arrh” persona. If you’ve been off Batman, you need to get back on right now. If these past couple of issues are any indication, Batman fans are in for a treat! Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!